Abstract: A solar cell having a semiconductor layer has a structure in which a first electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode are stacked on a substrate, wherein a zinc oxide layer containing a transition metal is located between the semiconductor layer and at least one of the first and second electrodes and the density of the transition metal in the zinc oxide layer is continuously changed within a range of not less than 1 atm. ppm to not more than 5 atm %.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a light-directing optical element integrally formed in an encapsulant layer thereof in the region of opaque current-collecting gridlines.The optical element redirects light which would be absorbed by the opaque structure to other regions of the photovoltaic device, thereby decreasing shading effects.

Abstract: A method for applying a dielectric material to a solar array having an edge, a light gathering side and a backside, which includes the steps of sealing the array along the array edge, providing a gas pressure differential between the light gathering side and the backside which pressure is greater on the light gathering side than on the backside and applying the dielectric material to the backside of the array wherein the gas pressure differential is sufficient to substantially prevent the dielectric material from leaking from the backside to the light gathering side.

Abstract: A solar battery having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements connected in series. Each element consists of a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode layer laid one upon another in the stated order. In one embodiment, a site comprising a polycrystalline region is provided in the non-crystalline semiconductor. A conductive element sandwiches the transparent electrode between it and said non-crystalline material directly beneath said site. In another embodiment, a void which is filled with metal from said metal electrode layer connects the metal electrode layer and the underlying transparent electrode. Methods of manufacturing the solar battery including laser irradiation to form the polycrystalline region or void are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar self-tracking mechanism for continuously tracking the movement of the sun with time comprises a solar radiant energy receiver secured to a base set on the ground and rotatable about a rotating shaft which extends horizontally in an east-west direction and a plurality of compound parabolic concentrators secured to both longitudinal edges of the solar receiving mechanism in parallel to the rotating shaft. The sun energy concentrated on suitable means such as shape memory alloy coil or solar cell module located at a position coincident with the focal line of the compound parabolic concentrator is transferred to a mechanism for driving the rotating shaft of the solar radiant energy receiver thereby to rotate the same and continuously obtain the solar radiant energy.